Tender: Catering Services for The Howard Academy Trust Primary and Secondary Schools

About

The Howard Academy Trust is seeking a supplier for on-site catering services across its primary and secondary schools, serving around 5,300 pupils and a staff workforce of around 850. Schools are located across three local authorities: Medway (Deanwood Primary School, Thames View Primary School, Temple Mill Primary School, Waterfront UTC and The Howard School), Kent (The Abbey School Faversham) and Bexley (Hurstmere School). The Trust requires a caterer to deliver a consistent, high-quality, fresh and nutritious food offer using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients prepared on-site, with a particular focus on boosting uptake and quality in Medway schools and meeting a wide range of dietary requirements including free school meal provision. The successful contractor must demonstrate how they will support the Trust’s vision and values and the principles of Every Child Matters, build on existing strong offers at The Abbey School and Hurstmere School, and substantially improve quality and uptake across the primary schools and the UTC. Current caterers have agreed a termination date of 31/10/2026; the contract is planned to run from 01/11/2026 (first school day 02/11/2026) to 31/08/2029 with an option for a two-year extension and the Trust’s stated intention to take that extension. The Trust has invested in kitchen equipment (£80,000 in 2024/25 and up to £80,000 in 2025/26) and is seeking tenders that deliver a nil-cost or better outcome on a guaranteed performance basis.